MMA News Thread
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UFC-branded gyms to open across North America
The Ultimate Fighting Championship today announced a partnership with New Evolution Fitness Company that will create a network of nationwide and even global UFC-branded gyms.
The gyms will provide all-around training, conditioning and health options for men, women and children.
According to the UFC Gyms website, the facilities will offer fitness and cardio equipment, group classes, personal training (including MMA), general MMA instruction, a kids center and full locker rooms.
"UFC Gyms is something we've been looking at for a long time; it completely made sense to me when we found the right partner in (NEFC owner) Mark Mastrov – this is the guy who has created some of the most powerful fitness brands in the world," stated UFC President Dana White. "UFC gyms are going to shake up the fitness industry the way UFC shook up the sports industry. All the energy and excitement that we have brought to the fight business we are now going to bring to the fitness business. There is going to be something for everybody at all levels – from first timers to world class athletes. We're going to get people excited and motivated to work out and get in great shape."
No locations are opening dates have been announced, though the UFC is expected to target California markets initially and then spread throughout the U.S. and into Canada.
The latest venture provides further branding for the world's top MMA organization, which Forbes recently estimated to be worth $1 billion.
The Ultimate Fighting Championship today announced a partnership with New Evolution Fitness Company that will create a network of nationwide and even global UFC-branded gyms.
The gyms will provide all-around training, conditioning and health options for men, women and children.
According to the UFC Gyms website, the facilities will offer fitness and cardio equipment, group classes, personal training (including MMA), general MMA instruction, a kids center and full locker rooms.
"UFC Gyms is something we've been looking at for a long time; it completely made sense to me when we found the right partner in (NEFC owner) Mark Mastrov – this is the guy who has created some of the most powerful fitness brands in the world," stated UFC President Dana White. "UFC gyms are going to shake up the fitness industry the way UFC shook up the sports industry. All the energy and excitement that we have brought to the fight business we are now going to bring to the fitness business. There is going to be something for everybody at all levels – from first timers to world class athletes. We're going to get people excited and motivated to work out and get in great shape."
No locations are opening dates have been announced, though the UFC is expected to target California markets initially and then spread throughout the U.S. and into Canada.
The latest venture provides further branding for the world's top MMA organization, which Forbes recently estimated to be worth $1 billion.
Collegiate wrestling stand-out Ben Askren makes pro MMA debut Feb. 7
Former University of Missouri wrestler Ben Askren (0-0), who won two NCAA Division I national championships after going 87-0 in his junior and seniors years of college, will make his professional MMA debut on Feb. 7.
Askren, a 2008 Olympics competitor, will compete at the Headhunters Fight League event at the Holiday Inn Select Executive Center in Columbia, Mo.
Former UFC fighter and "The Ultimate Fighter 4" cast member Din Thomas (22-8) headlines the event.
Neither Thomas' nor Askren's opponents have been officially announced.
The upcoming event is being promoted in conjunction with American Top Team of Missouri, where Askren, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu purple belt, serves as the lead instructor of the gym's wrestling program. He's competing at welterweight for his pro MMA debut.
Askren, a four-time All-American, finished his collegiate wrestling career with a stellar 153-8 record with 91 pins. He was also nominated for a 2007 ESPY in the best collegiate athletic category.
Soon after the conclusion of his collegiate career, he announced his intentions of moving into MMA.
Last year Askren became the first Mizzou graduate to qualify for the Olympics in wrestling. However, a loss to eventual bronze medalist to Cuba's Van Fundora in the 2008 Summer Olympics knocked him out of medal contention.
Former University of Missouri wrestler Ben Askren (0-0), who won two NCAA Division I national championships after going 87-0 in his junior and seniors years of college, will make his professional MMA debut on Feb. 7.
Askren, a 2008 Olympics competitor, will compete at the Headhunters Fight League event at the Holiday Inn Select Executive Center in Columbia, Mo.
Former UFC fighter and "The Ultimate Fighter 4" cast member Din Thomas (22-8) headlines the event.
Neither Thomas' nor Askren's opponents have been officially announced.
The upcoming event is being promoted in conjunction with American Top Team of Missouri, where Askren, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu purple belt, serves as the lead instructor of the gym's wrestling program. He's competing at welterweight for his pro MMA debut.
Askren, a four-time All-American, finished his collegiate wrestling career with a stellar 153-8 record with 91 pins. He was also nominated for a 2007 ESPY in the best collegiate athletic category.
Soon after the conclusion of his collegiate career, he announced his intentions of moving into MMA.
Last year Askren became the first Mizzou graduate to qualify for the Olympics in wrestling. However, a loss to eventual bronze medalist to Cuba's Van Fundora in the 2008 Summer Olympics knocked him out of medal contention.
Matt Wiman vs. Sam Stout expected for UFC 97 in Montreal
Verbal commitments have been secured from both Matt Wiman and Sam Stout to face each other at UFC 97 on April 18 at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Canada, sources have revealed to FiveOuncesOfPain.com.
Bout agreements have been presented to both fighters with the contracts expected to be returned to the UFC shortly. Once both agreements are received, the fight could be made official soon after.
Wiman, 10-4, competed last month during the promotion’s “UFC Fight for the Troops” event in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Facing Jim Miller in a match televised on Spike TV, Wiman saw his four fight win streak snapped following a unanimous decision loss that garnered “Fight of the Night” honors.
Before losing to Miller, Wiman, a veteran from the fifth season of The Ultimate Fighter, had recorded consecutive wins over Brian Geraghty, Michihiro Omigawa, Justin Buchholz, and Thiago Tavares. His lifetime record in the UFC is currently 4-2.
A native of Canada, Stout is 13-5-1 overall and 2-4 while competing under the UFC banner. A talented kickboxer who trains under Shawn Tompkins, Stout will look to snap a two fight losing streak at UFC 97 following consecutive defeats at UFCs 83 and 89 against Rich Clementi and Terry Etim, respectively. The five-year veteran holds notable victories over Per Eklund, Spencer Fisher, and Jay Estrada.
In addition to Wiman vs. Stout, UFC 97 will be headlined by Anderson Silva defending his UFC middleweight title vs. Thales Leites. Additionally, former UFC light heavyweight champion Chuck Liddell will return to action against former PRIDE star Mauricio “Shogun” Rua.
Other reported matchups for UFC 97 include David Loiseau vs. Ed Herman, Brian Stann vs. Krzysztof Soszynski, Luiz Cane vs. Steve Cantwell, Mark Bocek vs. David Bielkheden, and T.J. Grant vs. Ryo Chonan. Tamdan McCrory and Jason MacDonald are also expected to compete on the card against separate opponents.
Verbal commitments have been secured from both Matt Wiman and Sam Stout to face each other at UFC 97 on April 18 at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Canada, sources have revealed to FiveOuncesOfPain.com.
Bout agreements have been presented to both fighters with the contracts expected to be returned to the UFC shortly. Once both agreements are received, the fight could be made official soon after.
Wiman, 10-4, competed last month during the promotion’s “UFC Fight for the Troops” event in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Facing Jim Miller in a match televised on Spike TV, Wiman saw his four fight win streak snapped following a unanimous decision loss that garnered “Fight of the Night” honors.
Before losing to Miller, Wiman, a veteran from the fifth season of The Ultimate Fighter, had recorded consecutive wins over Brian Geraghty, Michihiro Omigawa, Justin Buchholz, and Thiago Tavares. His lifetime record in the UFC is currently 4-2.
A native of Canada, Stout is 13-5-1 overall and 2-4 while competing under the UFC banner. A talented kickboxer who trains under Shawn Tompkins, Stout will look to snap a two fight losing streak at UFC 97 following consecutive defeats at UFCs 83 and 89 against Rich Clementi and Terry Etim, respectively. The five-year veteran holds notable victories over Per Eklund, Spencer Fisher, and Jay Estrada.
In addition to Wiman vs. Stout, UFC 97 will be headlined by Anderson Silva defending his UFC middleweight title vs. Thales Leites. Additionally, former UFC light heavyweight champion Chuck Liddell will return to action against former PRIDE star Mauricio “Shogun” Rua.
Other reported matchups for UFC 97 include David Loiseau vs. Ed Herman, Brian Stann vs. Krzysztof Soszynski, Luiz Cane vs. Steve Cantwell, Mark Bocek vs. David Bielkheden, and T.J. Grant vs. Ryo Chonan. Tamdan McCrory and Jason MacDonald are also expected to compete on the card against separate opponents.
Atencio says next event could happen in July or August; leaning towards Fedor vs. Barnett
While no plans have been finalized or bout agreements have been signed, preliminary talk amongst Affliction Entertainment officials has taken place regarding a third event. During a recent video interview with FiveOuncesOfPain.com, Affliction Vice President Tom Atencio indicated that a summer return for the promotion is possible.
“We’re going to have a third event,” Atencio began. “It’s just a matter of when. Possibly in July (or) possibly in August. I’m just not really sure. We’re looking and we’re sitting down (and) trying to figure everything out.”
Prior to Saturday’s “Day of Reckoning” event, Atencio had been quoted as saying that the winners of heavyweight bouts featuring WAMMA heavyweight champion Fedor Emelianenko vs. Andrei Arlovski and Josh Barnett vs. Gilbert Yvel would face each other in the future.
Emelianenko knocked out Arlovski at 3:14 of round 1 during the night’s main event with Barnett earning a third round submission against Yvel during the show’s co-main event. Atencio was asked whether Emelianeno vs. Barnett was likely to headline the next show.
“That’s what I’m hoping for but right now I’ve got to sit down with these guys and figure everything out,” he responded.
In an article by FiveOuncesOfPain.com and CBSSports.com’s Gary Herman, Barnett reportedly indicated that he was open to fighting Fedor but that nothing has been signed.
“I don’t have a bout agreement,” Barnett told Herman. “Nothing is signed. Nothing exists.”
A venue for the third event has yet to be determined but sources speaking on the condition of anonymity have indicated that either a return to Anaheim, Calif. or a Trump-owned venue in Atlantic City, N.J. are considered the most likely options.
While no plans have been finalized or bout agreements have been signed, preliminary talk amongst Affliction Entertainment officials has taken place regarding a third event. During a recent video interview with FiveOuncesOfPain.com, Affliction Vice President Tom Atencio indicated that a summer return for the promotion is possible.
“We’re going to have a third event,” Atencio began. “It’s just a matter of when. Possibly in July (or) possibly in August. I’m just not really sure. We’re looking and we’re sitting down (and) trying to figure everything out.”
Prior to Saturday’s “Day of Reckoning” event, Atencio had been quoted as saying that the winners of heavyweight bouts featuring WAMMA heavyweight champion Fedor Emelianenko vs. Andrei Arlovski and Josh Barnett vs. Gilbert Yvel would face each other in the future.
Emelianenko knocked out Arlovski at 3:14 of round 1 during the night’s main event with Barnett earning a third round submission against Yvel during the show’s co-main event. Atencio was asked whether Emelianeno vs. Barnett was likely to headline the next show.
“That’s what I’m hoping for but right now I’ve got to sit down with these guys and figure everything out,” he responded.
In an article by FiveOuncesOfPain.com and CBSSports.com’s Gary Herman, Barnett reportedly indicated that he was open to fighting Fedor but that nothing has been signed.
“I don’t have a bout agreement,” Barnett told Herman. “Nothing is signed. Nothing exists.”
A venue for the third event has yet to be determined but sources speaking on the condition of anonymity have indicated that either a return to Anaheim, Calif. or a Trump-owned venue in Atlantic City, N.J. are considered the most likely options.
Vitor Belfort exclusive
After the great knockout against Matt Lindland, at Affliction 2, Vitor Belfort commented the victory exclusively to TATAME TV in a video interview, while leaving the ring, and spoke with Tom Atencio about his next challenge. Check below the exclusive interview and stay tuned on TATAME.com for an exclusive interview with the Brazilian Phenom, who revealed plans of fighting Fedor and the possibility of competing at Pro Boxing, before a meeting with Oscar de La Hoya.
After the great knockout against Matt Lindland, at Affliction 2, Vitor Belfort commented the victory exclusively to TATAME TV in a video interview, while leaving the ring, and spoke with Tom Atencio about his next challenge. Check below the exclusive interview and stay tuned on TATAME.com for an exclusive interview with the Brazilian Phenom, who revealed plans of fighting Fedor and the possibility of competing at Pro Boxing, before a meeting with Oscar de La Hoya.
Affliction’s Day of Reckoning May Be Further Away Than Anticipated
Despite a solid card that produced several spectacular finishes and cemented the emerging legend that is Fedor Emelianenko, the MMA community’s focus when it comes to Affliction remains on one thing: its finances. It’s a narrative that has dogged the company’s entertainment brand since it launched last year with payrolls at levels previously unseen. While it’s fair, even accurate, to say that it is unlikely, if not impossible, for Affliction to recoup its costs through traditional live event revenue streams (i.e. pay-per-view, gate, sponsorships, licensing fees, etc.), that doesn’t tell the whole story.
Affliction is after all a t-shirt company at the end of day, as Dana White loves to remind everyone, and ultimately any money they make on these MMA events is icing on the cake to the brand building they are accomplishing. As a private company we don’t have much evidence as to how briskly sales are moving, but a recent BusinessWeek feature provides some insight.
An item from the January 26th edition titled “Youth Will Be Served” focused on the success of youth-oriented retailer Buckle. The company posted a 13.5% year-over-year gain in same store sales for the month of December’s, a stunning success in the current environment. For some perspective retail heavyweights Macy’s, Gap, American Eagle, and Abercrombie & Fitch posted declines of 4%, 14%, 17%, and 24% respectively in the same month.
Buckle is one of Affliction’s closest retail partners and was previously featured on the canvas at Affliction’s first MMA event. The article credits Affliction Clothing and MEK Denim as two of the hottest brands that have made the store successful. In 2008 overall sales for Buckle rose 26% to $780 million. While all of that is not Affliction, the point is: they’re selling a lot of t-shirts. More importantly, the company believes that these events help sell those shirts. Large sales spikes have been reported around both of its events.
Based on previously reported statements, Affliction Clothing does an estimated $125 million in annual sales with its MMA brand accounting for 20-25% of that or roughly $25-35 million in annual revenue. Using what I think would be a conservative profit margin of 40%, that would be profits on MMA apparrel alone at somewhere between $10 and $14 million annually.
Those numbers help put into perspective potential multi-million dollar “losses” on the MMA events themselves. These events really amount to an aggressive marketing/advertising campaign for Affliction’s core clothing business at worst. At best, if the company finds its footing as a live event promoter, it will have opened up a new revenue stream and diversified its business.
This isn’t exactly a groundbreaking approach. Red Bull has taken a similar path in NASCAR. After spending several years as a sponsor of events, the company chose to make the leap into team ownership. In the expensive world of Sprint Cup Racing it is very unlikely that the team turns a profit, but Red Bull doesn’t sit around wringing its hands about its multi-million dollar “losses.” Instead it watches its energy drink sales rise and is satisfied knowing that ownership of the racing team gives it a potential upside and possibility of recouping its investment that other traditional advertising and marketing expenditures simply don’t offer.
It’s essentially the difference between renting and owning your own home. Both accomplish the goal of having a roof over your head, but ownership allows you to simultaneously build equity.
So while Affliction may ultimately decide that its money is better spent outside of live event promotion, that decision will likely not rest entirely on the financial bottom line of the events themselves, but rather their contribution to the company’s overall finances, i.e. its clothing line.
Without understanding this essential difference between the company’s financial calculus and that of its chief competition (Zuffa) it is impossible to accurately and fairly evaluate the success or failure of the company’s promotional efforts.
At the end of the day Affliction really is a t-shirt company and that fact makes all the difference in evaluating its fate.
Despite a solid card that produced several spectacular finishes and cemented the emerging legend that is Fedor Emelianenko, the MMA community’s focus when it comes to Affliction remains on one thing: its finances. It’s a narrative that has dogged the company’s entertainment brand since it launched last year with payrolls at levels previously unseen. While it’s fair, even accurate, to say that it is unlikely, if not impossible, for Affliction to recoup its costs through traditional live event revenue streams (i.e. pay-per-view, gate, sponsorships, licensing fees, etc.), that doesn’t tell the whole story.
Affliction is after all a t-shirt company at the end of day, as Dana White loves to remind everyone, and ultimately any money they make on these MMA events is icing on the cake to the brand building they are accomplishing. As a private company we don’t have much evidence as to how briskly sales are moving, but a recent BusinessWeek feature provides some insight.
An item from the January 26th edition titled “Youth Will Be Served” focused on the success of youth-oriented retailer Buckle. The company posted a 13.5% year-over-year gain in same store sales for the month of December’s, a stunning success in the current environment. For some perspective retail heavyweights Macy’s, Gap, American Eagle, and Abercrombie & Fitch posted declines of 4%, 14%, 17%, and 24% respectively in the same month.
Buckle is one of Affliction’s closest retail partners and was previously featured on the canvas at Affliction’s first MMA event. The article credits Affliction Clothing and MEK Denim as two of the hottest brands that have made the store successful. In 2008 overall sales for Buckle rose 26% to $780 million. While all of that is not Affliction, the point is: they’re selling a lot of t-shirts. More importantly, the company believes that these events help sell those shirts. Large sales spikes have been reported around both of its events.
Based on previously reported statements, Affliction Clothing does an estimated $125 million in annual sales with its MMA brand accounting for 20-25% of that or roughly $25-35 million in annual revenue. Using what I think would be a conservative profit margin of 40%, that would be profits on MMA apparrel alone at somewhere between $10 and $14 million annually.
Those numbers help put into perspective potential multi-million dollar “losses” on the MMA events themselves. These events really amount to an aggressive marketing/advertising campaign for Affliction’s core clothing business at worst. At best, if the company finds its footing as a live event promoter, it will have opened up a new revenue stream and diversified its business.
This isn’t exactly a groundbreaking approach. Red Bull has taken a similar path in NASCAR. After spending several years as a sponsor of events, the company chose to make the leap into team ownership. In the expensive world of Sprint Cup Racing it is very unlikely that the team turns a profit, but Red Bull doesn’t sit around wringing its hands about its multi-million dollar “losses.” Instead it watches its energy drink sales rise and is satisfied knowing that ownership of the racing team gives it a potential upside and possibility of recouping its investment that other traditional advertising and marketing expenditures simply don’t offer.
It’s essentially the difference between renting and owning your own home. Both accomplish the goal of having a roof over your head, but ownership allows you to simultaneously build equity.
So while Affliction may ultimately decide that its money is better spent outside of live event promotion, that decision will likely not rest entirely on the financial bottom line of the events themselves, but rather their contribution to the company’s overall finances, i.e. its clothing line.
Without understanding this essential difference between the company’s financial calculus and that of its chief competition (Zuffa) it is impossible to accurately and fairly evaluate the success or failure of the company’s promotional efforts.
At the end of the day Affliction really is a t-shirt company and that fact makes all the difference in evaluating its fate.
Stephens Replaces Franca in UFC Fight Night 17 Headliner
Jeremy Stephens will take on Joe Lauzon in the main event of UFC Fight Night 17 on Feb. 7 in Tampa, Fla.
The UFC announced the matchup Tuesday on its Web site, UFC.com.
Stephens replaces Hermes Franca, whose knee injury forced him off the card. A 22-year-old from Des Moines, Iowa, Stephens is 3-2 in the UFC. Most recently he knocked out Rafael dos Anjos at UFC 91 with a brutal uppercut.
In Lauzon he faces an opponent who has headlined a previous Fight Night event. Lauzon lost his main event bout against Kenny Florian last April in Colorado, but he bounced back in September by stopping Kyle Bradley.
Jeremy Stephens will take on Joe Lauzon in the main event of UFC Fight Night 17 on Feb. 7 in Tampa, Fla.
The UFC announced the matchup Tuesday on its Web site, UFC.com.
Stephens replaces Hermes Franca, whose knee injury forced him off the card. A 22-year-old from Des Moines, Iowa, Stephens is 3-2 in the UFC. Most recently he knocked out Rafael dos Anjos at UFC 91 with a brutal uppercut.
In Lauzon he faces an opponent who has headlined a previous Fight Night event. Lauzon lost his main event bout against Kenny Florian last April in Colorado, but he bounced back in September by stopping Kyle Bradley.
UFC newcomer Derek Downey to replace Amir Sadollah at UFC Fight Night 17
UFC newcomer Derek Downey (10-3 MMA, 0-0 UFC), a six-year vet who's won five of his past six fights, has signed a multi-fight deal with the UFC and will make his octagon debut in place of an injured Amir Sadollah (1-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC) on next week's UFC Fight Night 17 card.
Multiple sources close to the fighter today told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) of the signing.
Downey will now meet Sadollah's original opponent, middleweight Nick Catone (5-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC), at the Feb. 7 event.
UFC Fight Night 17 takes place Feb. 7 at the USF Sun Dome in Tampa, Fla., and airs on Spike TV.
Sadollah, winner of "The Ultimate Fighter 7," was recently forced off a UFC card for the second time due to injury. He was originally slated to face Catone in November at UFC 91, but a leg infection forced him out of the event just days before the pay-per-view match-up.
In his place for the latest booking steps Downey, a Utah-based fighter who's only losses have to come Garett Davis (10-10) and UFC vets Josh Burkman and Ed Herman.
Downey took a two-year break from the sport from June 2006 to April 2008. He's 2-0 since his return and has now posted first-round stoppages in his past seven victories. In fact, all 10 of his career wins have come via stoppage, all but one in the first round.
Catone, a Ring of Combat and Cage Fury Fighting Championships veteran, is undefeated in first five professional contests. Three of his wins have come via TKO.
UFC newcomer Derek Downey (10-3 MMA, 0-0 UFC), a six-year vet who's won five of his past six fights, has signed a multi-fight deal with the UFC and will make his octagon debut in place of an injured Amir Sadollah (1-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC) on next week's UFC Fight Night 17 card.
Multiple sources close to the fighter today told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) of the signing.
Downey will now meet Sadollah's original opponent, middleweight Nick Catone (5-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC), at the Feb. 7 event.
UFC Fight Night 17 takes place Feb. 7 at the USF Sun Dome in Tampa, Fla., and airs on Spike TV.
Sadollah, winner of "The Ultimate Fighter 7," was recently forced off a UFC card for the second time due to injury. He was originally slated to face Catone in November at UFC 91, but a leg infection forced him out of the event just days before the pay-per-view match-up.
In his place for the latest booking steps Downey, a Utah-based fighter who's only losses have to come Garett Davis (10-10) and UFC vets Josh Burkman and Ed Herman.
Downey took a two-year break from the sport from June 2006 to April 2008. He's 2-0 since his return and has now posted first-round stoppages in his past seven victories. In fact, all 10 of his career wins have come via stoppage, all but one in the first round.
Catone, a Ring of Combat and Cage Fury Fighting Championships veteran, is undefeated in first five professional contests. Three of his wins have come via TKO.
WEC CHAMP CONDIT, OTHERS HEADED TO UFC
Another divisional shake up appears to be on the horizon for Zuffa owned World Extreme Cagefighting. Several sources have indicated that the promotion will soon disband its 170-pound weight class. The first indication of the latest restructuring is a title fight between WEC champion Carlos Condit and challenger Brock Larson being scrapped from the upcoming WEC 39 event on March 1 in Texas.
FiveOuncesOfPain.com first reported the news on Tuesday, with several sources close to the situation confirming the news to MMAWeekly.com as well.
According to sources speaking anonymously with MMAWeekly.com, the fight between Condit and Larson was cancelled in large part due to a desire to move the current WEC champion over to the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
There has been no official confirmation as to who Condit could fight in his first UFC match-up, but there has been speculation that new welterweight Martin Kampmann could be the fighter called upon to face the Arizona Combat Sports standout.
Larson is also expected to make the move to the UFC. Despite reports that the Minnesota fighter was injured, causing the fight cancellation, MMAWeekly.com learned that the fight was simply cancelled and neither fighter had any kind of injury to force the situation.
Several managers were contacted about the possible dissolution of the WEC's welterweight division, but there had been no official word from the promotion at the time of publication about the move. It is still unclear if the entire division will be dissolved, but moving the promotion's champion over to the UFC would seem to be a strong indicator of such.
There are still two welterweight bouts scheduled for WEC 39 – Johny Hendricks vs. Alex Serdyukov and Justin Haskins vs. Douglas Lima – but that wouldn't be out of character for the WEC. The promotion still held a couple of middleweight and light heavyweight bouts, including a light heavyweight title fight, after the dissolution of those two divisions was announced late last year.
MMAWeekly.com sources close to the WEC in early January revealed that the promotion is adding a 125-pound flyweight division soon. There had been speculation that WEC 39 could host the emergence of the flyweight division, but that now seems more like a possibility for WEC 40 in Chicago.
If the WEC welterweight division does meet its demise, that would leave only the 155-pound lightweight class as the only crossover category between the WEC and the UFC.
Another divisional shake up appears to be on the horizon for Zuffa owned World Extreme Cagefighting. Several sources have indicated that the promotion will soon disband its 170-pound weight class. The first indication of the latest restructuring is a title fight between WEC champion Carlos Condit and challenger Brock Larson being scrapped from the upcoming WEC 39 event on March 1 in Texas.
FiveOuncesOfPain.com first reported the news on Tuesday, with several sources close to the situation confirming the news to MMAWeekly.com as well.
According to sources speaking anonymously with MMAWeekly.com, the fight between Condit and Larson was cancelled in large part due to a desire to move the current WEC champion over to the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
There has been no official confirmation as to who Condit could fight in his first UFC match-up, but there has been speculation that new welterweight Martin Kampmann could be the fighter called upon to face the Arizona Combat Sports standout.
Larson is also expected to make the move to the UFC. Despite reports that the Minnesota fighter was injured, causing the fight cancellation, MMAWeekly.com learned that the fight was simply cancelled and neither fighter had any kind of injury to force the situation.
Several managers were contacted about the possible dissolution of the WEC's welterweight division, but there had been no official word from the promotion at the time of publication about the move. It is still unclear if the entire division will be dissolved, but moving the promotion's champion over to the UFC would seem to be a strong indicator of such.
There are still two welterweight bouts scheduled for WEC 39 – Johny Hendricks vs. Alex Serdyukov and Justin Haskins vs. Douglas Lima – but that wouldn't be out of character for the WEC. The promotion still held a couple of middleweight and light heavyweight bouts, including a light heavyweight title fight, after the dissolution of those two divisions was announced late last year.
MMAWeekly.com sources close to the WEC in early January revealed that the promotion is adding a 125-pound flyweight division soon. There had been speculation that WEC 39 could host the emergence of the flyweight division, but that now seems more like a possibility for WEC 40 in Chicago.
If the WEC welterweight division does meet its demise, that would leave only the 155-pound lightweight class as the only crossover category between the WEC and the UFC.
Houston Alexander returns at UFC 98 against Andre Gusmao
UFC light heavyweight Houston Alexander (8-4 MMA, 2-3 UFC) will look to end a three-fight losing streak when he meets Andre Gusmao (5-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC) at UFC 98.
A source close to Alexander told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) that both fighters have agreed to the fight and that bout agreements are close to finalized.
UFC 98 takes place May 23 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and is expected to feature a title-unification bout between UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar and interim title-holder Frank Mir.
After bursting on the UFC scene with swift and brutal knockouts of Keith Jardine and Alessio Sakara, Alexander has since suffered first-round losses to Thiago Silva (TKO), James Irvin (KO) and Eric Schafer (submission). Prior to the losing skid, Alexander went 8-0 (with one no-contest) in a nine-fight span.
In what's surely a must-win fight for the Nebraska-based fighter, Alexander will now meet Gusmao, a former IFL competitor who debuted with the UFC at UFC 87. There, he suffered a unanimous-decision loss to Jon Jones, snapping a five-fight win streak he pieced together during the first three years of his career.
Gusmao was then expected to fight Antonio Mendes earlier this month at UFC 93, but he was forced off the card with an injury and replaced by Eric Schafer.
The latest rumored UFC 98 card now includes:
Champ Brock Lesnar vs. interim champ Frank Mir (heavyweight title unification)
Matt Hughes vs. Matt Serra
Frank Edgar vs. Sean Sherk
James Irvin vs. Drew McFedries
Houston Alexander vs. Andre Gusmao
David Kaplan vs. George Roop
UFC light heavyweight Houston Alexander (8-4 MMA, 2-3 UFC) will look to end a three-fight losing streak when he meets Andre Gusmao (5-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC) at UFC 98.
A source close to Alexander told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) that both fighters have agreed to the fight and that bout agreements are close to finalized.
UFC 98 takes place May 23 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and is expected to feature a title-unification bout between UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar and interim title-holder Frank Mir.
After bursting on the UFC scene with swift and brutal knockouts of Keith Jardine and Alessio Sakara, Alexander has since suffered first-round losses to Thiago Silva (TKO), James Irvin (KO) and Eric Schafer (submission). Prior to the losing skid, Alexander went 8-0 (with one no-contest) in a nine-fight span.
In what's surely a must-win fight for the Nebraska-based fighter, Alexander will now meet Gusmao, a former IFL competitor who debuted with the UFC at UFC 87. There, he suffered a unanimous-decision loss to Jon Jones, snapping a five-fight win streak he pieced together during the first three years of his career.
Gusmao was then expected to fight Antonio Mendes earlier this month at UFC 93, but he was forced off the card with an injury and replaced by Eric Schafer.
The latest rumored UFC 98 card now includes:
Champ Brock Lesnar vs. interim champ Frank Mir (heavyweight title unification)
Matt Hughes vs. Matt Serra
Frank Edgar vs. Sean Sherk
James Irvin vs. Drew McFedries
Houston Alexander vs. Andre Gusmao
David Kaplan vs. George Roop
BONNAR ANXIOUS FOR UFC 94 AFTER TOUGH YEAR
Fifteen months is a long time not to do what you love.
Stephan Bonnar was rolling for his fight with Matt Hamill at Ultimate Fight Night 13 when he heard the sound no professional athlete wants to hear: a loud pop.
He finished up practice, but when he got home, his leg was stiff and swollen. A subsequent MRI revealed a litany of injuries to his left knee; his lateral collateral ligament (LCL) and meniscus had been torn; there was ligament damage.
It wasn’t until September that Bonnar returned to the mats, and October when he trained at full speed. His last fight was a distant memory, against Eric Schafer at UFC 77.
“I was foaming at the teeth to get back to training,” he told MMAWeekly.com. “It sucked not being able to do it, but then again, being out of shape that first month sucked really bad. So made it through that, and by the second month, I was feeling pretty good.”
Bonnar made some adjustments to his mat and striking work, and is now getting kicked in his legs like every other fighter.
Still, 15 months will separate him from a real fight when he steps into the Octagon against Jon Jones at UFC 94. He cautions those expecting him to climb right back up the UFC’s light heavyweight ladder.
“I practice the motto: don’t expect nothing from anyone,” he says. “I’ll do what I always do, train my ass of and do my best.”
Jones is perfect to play the part of spoiler. He’s aggressive, athletic, and takes big chances. Case in point: his spinning back elbows in his UFC debut against Andre Gusmao.
“He’s got some long-ass arms, that’s for sure,” Bonnar says, noting he’s worked with a 6’9”, 89-inch reach fighter to work on getting inside.
But Jones is also untested against top-level competition.
“I’ve seen guys make up for that with athleticism, and that’s kind of what he’s going to do,” Bonnar says. “So, yeah, I think that will be my advantage. But I’ll do a good job making up for it. He’s gonna be game, he knows it’s a really big opportunity. He’s going to give me everything he’s got.”
If anything, Bonnar has learned to appreciate the process of getting ready for a fight, and its certain future.
“When it comes to fighting, you take that one fight at a time,” he says. “Never look past anyone. That’s really all that’s on my mind is getting a win over Jon Jones, and taking it from there.”
Fifteen months is a long time not to do what you love.
Stephan Bonnar was rolling for his fight with Matt Hamill at Ultimate Fight Night 13 when he heard the sound no professional athlete wants to hear: a loud pop.
He finished up practice, but when he got home, his leg was stiff and swollen. A subsequent MRI revealed a litany of injuries to his left knee; his lateral collateral ligament (LCL) and meniscus had been torn; there was ligament damage.
It wasn’t until September that Bonnar returned to the mats, and October when he trained at full speed. His last fight was a distant memory, against Eric Schafer at UFC 77.
“I was foaming at the teeth to get back to training,” he told MMAWeekly.com. “It sucked not being able to do it, but then again, being out of shape that first month sucked really bad. So made it through that, and by the second month, I was feeling pretty good.”
Bonnar made some adjustments to his mat and striking work, and is now getting kicked in his legs like every other fighter.
Still, 15 months will separate him from a real fight when he steps into the Octagon against Jon Jones at UFC 94. He cautions those expecting him to climb right back up the UFC’s light heavyweight ladder.
“I practice the motto: don’t expect nothing from anyone,” he says. “I’ll do what I always do, train my ass of and do my best.”
Jones is perfect to play the part of spoiler. He’s aggressive, athletic, and takes big chances. Case in point: his spinning back elbows in his UFC debut against Andre Gusmao.
“He’s got some long-ass arms, that’s for sure,” Bonnar says, noting he’s worked with a 6’9”, 89-inch reach fighter to work on getting inside.
But Jones is also untested against top-level competition.
“I’ve seen guys make up for that with athleticism, and that’s kind of what he’s going to do,” Bonnar says. “So, yeah, I think that will be my advantage. But I’ll do a good job making up for it. He’s gonna be game, he knows it’s a really big opportunity. He’s going to give me everything he’s got.”
If anything, Bonnar has learned to appreciate the process of getting ready for a fight, and its certain future.
“When it comes to fighting, you take that one fight at a time,” he says. “Never look past anyone. That’s really all that’s on my mind is getting a win over Jon Jones, and taking it from there.”
JASON MACDONALD VS NATE QUARRY AT UFC 97
Middleweights Jason MacDonald and Nate Quarry will attempt to shrug off recent setbacks when they face each other at UFC 97 in Montreal, Canada on Apr. 18.
Sources close to both fighters indicated that bout agreements were signed and the fight was a go. At the time of this writing, it is unknown whether the bout will grace the main card of the event.
Quarry last appeared at UFC 91, where he lost to submission specialist Demian Maia via rear naked choke. It was his first fight since an freak eye injury kept him on the sidelines for six months following his fan-favorite performance against Kalib Starnes at UFC 83. The 36 year-old season one alum of "The Ultimate Fighter" carries an overall record of 10-3, with a 5-2 UFC record.
Jason MacDonald was last seen at the season eight finale of "The Ultimate Fighter," where he submitted to a ferocious ground and pound assault at the hands of American Top Team product Wilson Gouveia. As a small consolation, the Edmonton, Alberta resident was awarded twenty percent of the Gouveia's purse when the Brazilian was unable to make weight. MacDonald carries an overall record of 21-11 with a UFC record of 5-4.
Middleweights Jason MacDonald and Nate Quarry will attempt to shrug off recent setbacks when they face each other at UFC 97 in Montreal, Canada on Apr. 18.
Sources close to both fighters indicated that bout agreements were signed and the fight was a go. At the time of this writing, it is unknown whether the bout will grace the main card of the event.
Quarry last appeared at UFC 91, where he lost to submission specialist Demian Maia via rear naked choke. It was his first fight since an freak eye injury kept him on the sidelines for six months following his fan-favorite performance against Kalib Starnes at UFC 83. The 36 year-old season one alum of "The Ultimate Fighter" carries an overall record of 10-3, with a 5-2 UFC record.
Jason MacDonald was last seen at the season eight finale of "The Ultimate Fighter," where he submitted to a ferocious ground and pound assault at the hands of American Top Team product Wilson Gouveia. As a small consolation, the Edmonton, Alberta resident was awarded twenty percent of the Gouveia's purse when the Brazilian was unable to make weight. MacDonald carries an overall record of 21-11 with a UFC record of 5-4.
Melvin Manhoef to stay busy in 2009; Possible for DREAM 7
Feared Dutch knockout artist Melvin Manhoef has plans to stay extremely busy in 2009 following a brief retirement stint in 2008. The fighter’s management recently confirmed with FiveOuncesOfPain.com that Manhoef has two bouts confirmed for the next two months with the possibility of a third.
The explosive striker announced his retirement following his disappointing loss to Gegard Mousasi in the DREAM Middleweight Grand Prix in September of 2008. Manhoef was caught in a triangle choke in the first round by Mousasi who went on to win the tournament.
Manhoef returned to action in December when he knocked out Paul Slowinski with a crushing left hook early in the first round of their K-1 rules bout.
Just three weeks later the 32-year old Muay Thai specialist accepted an invitation to fight the much larger Mark Hunt on less than one days notice at the K-1 “Dynamite!!” New Years event. Manhoef had accompanied his teammate Badr Hari to the event for his bout with Alistair Overeem. He was offered and accepted the match with Hunt after Jerome LeBanner was forced to withdrawal at the last moment. Manhoef accomplished the impossible when he handed the iron jawed heavyweight his very first knockout loss by a head strike in his career just seconds into the bout.
Manhoef is scheduled to face off with Belgian kickboxer Rustemi Kreshnik for the “It’s Showtime” promotion. The event is called “It’s Showtime presents: Fights at the Border” and will take in Antwerp, Belgium on February 8.
Manhoef’s management also confirmed that he could possibly take part in an MMA rules bout at the recently announced DREAM 7 event. DREAM 7 will be the opening round of the organization’s inaugural featherweight Grand Prix.
The Amsterdam native is scheduled to take part in the K-1 World Grand Prix in Yokohama, Japan on March 28th. The Grand Prix will feature top K-1 heavyweights Remy Bonjasky, Peter Aerts, Semmy Schilt, and Manhoef’s teammate Badr Hari among others.
Manhoef also has plans to take part in another K-1 rules bout in Amsterdam that is possible for sometime in May.
Feared Dutch knockout artist Melvin Manhoef has plans to stay extremely busy in 2009 following a brief retirement stint in 2008. The fighter’s management recently confirmed with FiveOuncesOfPain.com that Manhoef has two bouts confirmed for the next two months with the possibility of a third.
The explosive striker announced his retirement following his disappointing loss to Gegard Mousasi in the DREAM Middleweight Grand Prix in September of 2008. Manhoef was caught in a triangle choke in the first round by Mousasi who went on to win the tournament.
Manhoef returned to action in December when he knocked out Paul Slowinski with a crushing left hook early in the first round of their K-1 rules bout.
Just three weeks later the 32-year old Muay Thai specialist accepted an invitation to fight the much larger Mark Hunt on less than one days notice at the K-1 “Dynamite!!” New Years event. Manhoef had accompanied his teammate Badr Hari to the event for his bout with Alistair Overeem. He was offered and accepted the match with Hunt after Jerome LeBanner was forced to withdrawal at the last moment. Manhoef accomplished the impossible when he handed the iron jawed heavyweight his very first knockout loss by a head strike in his career just seconds into the bout.
Manhoef is scheduled to face off with Belgian kickboxer Rustemi Kreshnik for the “It’s Showtime” promotion. The event is called “It’s Showtime presents: Fights at the Border” and will take in Antwerp, Belgium on February 8.
Manhoef’s management also confirmed that he could possibly take part in an MMA rules bout at the recently announced DREAM 7 event. DREAM 7 will be the opening round of the organization’s inaugural featherweight Grand Prix.
The Amsterdam native is scheduled to take part in the K-1 World Grand Prix in Yokohama, Japan on March 28th. The Grand Prix will feature top K-1 heavyweights Remy Bonjasky, Peter Aerts, Semmy Schilt, and Manhoef’s teammate Badr Hari among others.
Manhoef also has plans to take part in another K-1 rules bout in Amsterdam that is possible for sometime in May.
Thomas Schulte announced for Bellator Fighting Championships’ lightweight tournament
Thomas Schulte is the latest fighter to be announced by the Bellator Fighting Championships as having signed an exclusive contract with the promotion.
The news come courtesy of a press release issued by the promotion earlier this afternoon.
Schulte will compete in Bellator’s eight-man lightweight tournament, joining Jorge Masvidal as the only other fighter to be confirmed at 155 pounds.
Schulte has accumulated an 18-6 record during a pro MMA career that began in 2001. A specialist on the ground with all 18 of his wins having come by submission, the New Mexico resident has won titles while competing for the Ring of Fire, Hardcore Championship Fighting, and King of the Cage promotions.
“Thomas’ world-class submission skills make him a very tough match up for anyone in our 155 tournament,” said Bellator CEO Bjorn Rebney in a release issued by the promotion. “His training at NHB with Tom Vaughn over the last three months has been focused on our April premiere, so he should be well prepared to threaten in our lightweight division.”
Bellator Fighting Championships’ inaugural season will consist of 12 two-hour events to be broadcast weekly in prime time on Saturday nights on ESPN Deportes. Tentatively scheduled to launch on April 4, the televised events will feature a combination of tournament and non-tournament special feature bouts. There will be four simultaneous tournaments taking place in the first season over a three month period taking place in the featherweight, lightweight, welterweight, and middleweight divisions.
In addition to Masvidal and Schulte, featherweight Wilson Reis and welterweight Lyman Good have been confirmed as having signed with the promotion.
Thomas Schulte is the latest fighter to be announced by the Bellator Fighting Championships as having signed an exclusive contract with the promotion.
The news come courtesy of a press release issued by the promotion earlier this afternoon.
Schulte will compete in Bellator’s eight-man lightweight tournament, joining Jorge Masvidal as the only other fighter to be confirmed at 155 pounds.
Schulte has accumulated an 18-6 record during a pro MMA career that began in 2001. A specialist on the ground with all 18 of his wins having come by submission, the New Mexico resident has won titles while competing for the Ring of Fire, Hardcore Championship Fighting, and King of the Cage promotions.
“Thomas’ world-class submission skills make him a very tough match up for anyone in our 155 tournament,” said Bellator CEO Bjorn Rebney in a release issued by the promotion. “His training at NHB with Tom Vaughn over the last three months has been focused on our April premiere, so he should be well prepared to threaten in our lightweight division.”
Bellator Fighting Championships’ inaugural season will consist of 12 two-hour events to be broadcast weekly in prime time on Saturday nights on ESPN Deportes. Tentatively scheduled to launch on April 4, the televised events will feature a combination of tournament and non-tournament special feature bouts. There will be four simultaneous tournaments taking place in the first season over a three month period taking place in the featherweight, lightweight, welterweight, and middleweight divisions.
In addition to Masvidal and Schulte, featherweight Wilson Reis and welterweight Lyman Good have been confirmed as having signed with the promotion.
Vitor Belfort Interview
With three punches in 37 seconds, Vitor Belfort knock Matt Lindland out and celebrated his second victory in Affliction, which took place, in California, USA, last Saturday (24). Still in the United States, the fighter spoke with TATAME.com about his future in the event and revealed: his plans, now, also involve the professional Boxing. "It was perfect. I trained hard, was so focused that nothing was going through my min. Now I’ll start to fight professional Boxing. I’ll have a meeting with Oscar de La Hoya and we’ll see that. It has no mystery", said Vitor, who also celebrated the victory over Matt, Renato "Babalu” and Rogério Nogueira’s victories, the dream of fighting against Fedor Emelianenko and more.
What did you think about the victory over Matt Lindland? Were you surprised that it was so fast?
It was perfect. I trained very hard, was so focused that nothing was going through my mind. The way the victory would come we would only know at the time, but the best way to show that was with my fists, with skill. That didn’t surprise me, I expected that.
Unfortunately, Matt was out in the ring for a while and left everybody concerned. Did you spoke with him after the fight?
We were worried. I called Dan Henderson yesterday and he’s well now, he took head exams and everything is good. Now I'm here with my wife and daughter... She is here breastfeeding her and sending kisses for all children (laughs). Now I’ll enjoy a little vacation in Hawaii, this week we have many meetings here, I’ll work a bit and then enjoy with my family.
What do you expect for you in Affliction?
I was thinking yesterday... I want to make a fight against Fedor (Emelianenko), because my category doesn’t have anyone in Affliction yet. I think it’d be quite interesting, as well as Matt (Lindland) fought him. I never thought he was unbeatable, but he’s very strategic and the way to beat him is striking up and then go to the ground. (Andrei) Arlovski lost that fight for puerility. A man with a good catch and good hands can win Fedor. He doesn’t like to take a punch and showed that against Mark Hunt, and now he won luckily. Arlovski lost to himself.
Did you talk with Tom Atencio (vice-president of Affliction) about this fight against Fedor?
No, I didn’t. I thought about this yesterday. It doesn’t need to be for the belt, it can be a normal fight, simply for the challenge, I like that... Although I have to lose 20 pounds to the category (middleweight), I see that I’m very strong and technical, I think it’d be a challenge to fight Fedor, an opportunity, as we are in the same event. I’m a fast guy. Although he has a strong hand, I train with hard guys and it wouldn’t be a surprise. He’s a great fighter, but there are ways to beat him and I believe that.
What did you think about Rogério Nogueira e Renato Babalu’s victories at the same night?
I thought they were wonderful. I was up there watching Rogério’s fight and I was very happy, I cheer a lot for him. He’s a great friend and, when he, Rodrigo (Minotauro), Anderson (Silva) and Paulão (Filho) fights, I’m very tense, because we train together and we like each other a lot. We know the sacrifice that is the life of fighter and I was very emotional. Babalu’s fight was one before mine, and when I saw he was putting together and going down, I saw that was already won. Babalu is very good, complete.
Do you think of fighting for light heavyweight while Affliction has no names in your category?
It seems that Tito Ortiz is coming too, is a fight that I also want to do... It has many options, but I’m also happy in this weight. Let's see, is a question for my manager, Fabiano, and the promoters... Now I will start to fight professional Boxing. I will have a meeting with Oscar de La Hoya and we will see that. It has no mystery. I won Matt Lindland, a top fighter, so I’ll wait the opportunities to appear.
With three punches in 37 seconds, Vitor Belfort knock Matt Lindland out and celebrated his second victory in Affliction, which took place, in California, USA, last Saturday (24). Still in the United States, the fighter spoke with TATAME.com about his future in the event and revealed: his plans, now, also involve the professional Boxing. "It was perfect. I trained hard, was so focused that nothing was going through my min. Now I’ll start to fight professional Boxing. I’ll have a meeting with Oscar de La Hoya and we’ll see that. It has no mystery", said Vitor, who also celebrated the victory over Matt, Renato "Babalu” and Rogério Nogueira’s victories, the dream of fighting against Fedor Emelianenko and more.
What did you think about the victory over Matt Lindland? Were you surprised that it was so fast?
It was perfect. I trained very hard, was so focused that nothing was going through my mind. The way the victory would come we would only know at the time, but the best way to show that was with my fists, with skill. That didn’t surprise me, I expected that.
Unfortunately, Matt was out in the ring for a while and left everybody concerned. Did you spoke with him after the fight?
We were worried. I called Dan Henderson yesterday and he’s well now, he took head exams and everything is good. Now I'm here with my wife and daughter... She is here breastfeeding her and sending kisses for all children (laughs). Now I’ll enjoy a little vacation in Hawaii, this week we have many meetings here, I’ll work a bit and then enjoy with my family.
What do you expect for you in Affliction?
I was thinking yesterday... I want to make a fight against Fedor (Emelianenko), because my category doesn’t have anyone in Affliction yet. I think it’d be quite interesting, as well as Matt (Lindland) fought him. I never thought he was unbeatable, but he’s very strategic and the way to beat him is striking up and then go to the ground. (Andrei) Arlovski lost that fight for puerility. A man with a good catch and good hands can win Fedor. He doesn’t like to take a punch and showed that against Mark Hunt, and now he won luckily. Arlovski lost to himself.
Did you talk with Tom Atencio (vice-president of Affliction) about this fight against Fedor?
No, I didn’t. I thought about this yesterday. It doesn’t need to be for the belt, it can be a normal fight, simply for the challenge, I like that... Although I have to lose 20 pounds to the category (middleweight), I see that I’m very strong and technical, I think it’d be a challenge to fight Fedor, an opportunity, as we are in the same event. I’m a fast guy. Although he has a strong hand, I train with hard guys and it wouldn’t be a surprise. He’s a great fighter, but there are ways to beat him and I believe that.
What did you think about Rogério Nogueira e Renato Babalu’s victories at the same night?
I thought they were wonderful. I was up there watching Rogério’s fight and I was very happy, I cheer a lot for him. He’s a great friend and, when he, Rodrigo (Minotauro), Anderson (Silva) and Paulão (Filho) fights, I’m very tense, because we train together and we like each other a lot. We know the sacrifice that is the life of fighter and I was very emotional. Babalu’s fight was one before mine, and when I saw he was putting together and going down, I saw that was already won. Babalu is very good, complete.
Do you think of fighting for light heavyweight while Affliction has no names in your category?
It seems that Tito Ortiz is coming too, is a fight that I also want to do... It has many options, but I’m also happy in this weight. Let's see, is a question for my manager, Fabiano, and the promoters... Now I will start to fight professional Boxing. I will have a meeting with Oscar de La Hoya and we will see that. It has no mystery. I won Matt Lindland, a top fighter, so I’ll wait the opportunities to appear.
Rebuttal to Recession Piece
After reading our piece from yesterday on the recession’s effects on Gen Y, a prominent manager agent spoke with MMAPayout.com to give another viewpoint, with a boots on the ground perspective on how it is hurting fighters seeking sponsors. We have stripped out the names of those mentioned in the correspondence but the point holds, the downturn has affected fighters in a very real way:
While in a lot of ways I agree with the quote today on Gen Y. BUT, the affects are still hitting the athletes. A lot of clothing companies were started using home equity and 401K’s to get in on the phenomenon that is MMA only to find out it is a UFC world. This is where the effect is coming from the heloc (home equity lines of credit) lines are used up, 401Ks drawn down. (An MMA Apparel company owner) told me an event he is only sponsoring (Fighter X) because they gave him terms, another clothing company sent me an email about sponsoring one of my fighters and said “my tax refund will be back by that fight so I think I can swing it”. (Apparel owner) told us he hopes he can sell enough shirts from the exposure that night to pay the fighter. The fact is a lot of the money is drying up. Guys are finding less and less “non-fight gear” companies and more and more restrictions from fight gear companies. Most of the MMA apparel companies will tell you they have a hard tome measuring the ROI and the fact that fighters switch to one brand and then to another is desensitizing them to the branding anyways.
After reading our piece from yesterday on the recession’s effects on Gen Y, a prominent manager agent spoke with MMAPayout.com to give another viewpoint, with a boots on the ground perspective on how it is hurting fighters seeking sponsors. We have stripped out the names of those mentioned in the correspondence but the point holds, the downturn has affected fighters in a very real way:
While in a lot of ways I agree with the quote today on Gen Y. BUT, the affects are still hitting the athletes. A lot of clothing companies were started using home equity and 401K’s to get in on the phenomenon that is MMA only to find out it is a UFC world. This is where the effect is coming from the heloc (home equity lines of credit) lines are used up, 401Ks drawn down. (An MMA Apparel company owner) told me an event he is only sponsoring (Fighter X) because they gave him terms, another clothing company sent me an email about sponsoring one of my fighters and said “my tax refund will be back by that fight so I think I can swing it”. (Apparel owner) told us he hopes he can sell enough shirts from the exposure that night to pay the fighter. The fact is a lot of the money is drying up. Guys are finding less and less “non-fight gear” companies and more and more restrictions from fight gear companies. Most of the MMA apparel companies will tell you they have a hard tome measuring the ROI and the fact that fighters switch to one brand and then to another is desensitizing them to the branding anyways.